From a young age, Dave dreamed of being a policeman, inspired by early experiences and playing with boxes that he labelled "police."

He joined the Queensland Police in 1989, driven by a desire to make a difference, and soon became a respected officer.

A chance conversation led Dave to the competitive dog squad, where he found his calling and passion for working with police dogs.

Over 26 years, Dave formed strong bonds with dogs like Buddy, Zed, Vader, Axel, and Jet, each with unique traits and abilities.

His career includes stories of tracking offenders, rescuing people in dangerous situations, highlighting the vital role of his canine partners.

Despite tough times and PTSD, his dedication to his dogs and the community helped Dave overcome personal and professional challenges.

Axel, one of Dave's beloved dogs, became a local icon, celebrated with a statue in Cairns, honouring Dave's contributions and his dogs' impact.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us, produced by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Plume started his extraordinary musical journey as a young drummer and songwriter, developing his passion for creating melodies and performing.

Over two years ago, he moved into singing to cows, discovering their surprising appreciation for music, which encouraged him to continue this unique path.

As Plume's animal-focused performances gained exposure, his gigs shifted from human audiences to structured environments like shelters, where animals are treated well.

He has witnessed touching reactions, like a giraffe appearing to cry during his performance, and a parrot that danced to his tunes.

Singing to animals has deepened Plume's understanding of their emotions, observing behaviours like familial affection and bonding through music.

Plume leverages social media to raise awareness about animal welfare, encouraging veganism by sharing educational resources and personal experiences.

You can find Plume at @plumes.official on Instagram and Facebook where he shares his love for animals inviting followers to explore the beauty of music-inspired animal connections.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Andrew grew up in Sydney with a rare bone disorder (XLH), underwent painful surgeries, and experienced contrasting childhoods with his healthy twin brother.

Despite physical challenges, Andrew pursued music and sound engineering, then became a Bunnings manager, utilising his organisational and managerial skills.

At 24, Andrew confronted robbers at Bunnings, displaying bravery but subsequently faced trauma, legal challenges, and lack of workplace support.

Andrew struggled with PTSD after the robbery, facing workplace pressures and critical remarks, ultimately resigning to focus on his mental health.

A stray cat named Sergeant Pepper provided emotional support, helping Andrew through depression and reminding him of the importance of caring for others.

Inspired to help others, Andrew transitioned to teaching students with special needs, finding fulfilment and daily gratitude in positively impacting their lives.

Despite past violence, Andrew focuses on humanity's goodness, suggesting selfless acts and nurturing relationships, with people and animals, as keys to happiness and overcoming adversity.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Kobe Steele has always been an animal person in Australia, having lived with dogs and cats her whole life, treating them as beloved family members.

After a successful career in media as a TV and radio host and before finding her calling in conservation, Kobe brought her communication skills to important environmental causes.

After the sudden and tragic death of her beloved daughter Kristen, which plunged her into deep, prolonged grief Kobe’s life changed her forever.

At the insistence of her friend, Dr. Stephen Van Mill, Kobe travelled to Borneo where she had a life-transforming encounter with orangutans, especially the empathetic Faisal.

Determined to give back, Kobe began raising money for the Orangutan Foundation International Australia, taking eco-tours to educate others and support orangutan conservation efforts.

Despite battling cancer, Kobe's spirit remained unbroken, and she continues to be an advocate for orangutans while enjoying life with her rehomed guide dog, Cook.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

In this introduction to the Kintsugi Heroes Podcast Animals & Us, the host Natalie Stockdale discusses her background as a humane educator and previous head of the Jane Goodall Foundation. She aims to share profound human-animal relationship stories, emphasising love and compassion.

Natalie shares personal anecdotes about her early love for animals influenced by the cartoon Kimba the White Lion and her compassionate mother.

Various experiences in rural Australia exposed Natalie to animal cruelty, which shaped her advocacy for better treatment of animals. She stresses the importance of kind and humane animal handling.

Natalie recounts her life on a station during a drought and how her relationships with her animal companions, like Blue Legs the bantam hen and Spring and Summer the pigs, provided emotional support and resilience.

Biophilia, a theory by biologist Edward Wilson, suggests humans are innately connected to nature and animals. This connection is crucial for mental well-being, showcasing the importance of fostering these bonds.

The podcast will focus on transformative and inspiring stories rather than dwelling on cruelty.

About Natalie

Natalie Stockdale is an author of the 'Campfire for the Heart' book series, and a resilience coach. She believes that hardships are an inevitable and essential part of life experience that shape our character and enrich our lives. How we handle our hardships is a choice. After surviving her own personal challenges of droughts, divorce and disease, Natalie eventually woke up to the importance of resilience for our mind and body. She subsequently resigned from her job as CEO of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia and dived into the world of wellness. Natalie is on a mission to make happier, resilient people.

Her 'Creative Life Purpose' is to spread love and kindness through writing books and creating rich experiences for others in beautiful, natural settings. In doing so, she feels excited, connected to others and gains satisfaction by helping to create a kinder world.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Animals & Us explores and celebrates the transformative power of human-animal connections. Each episode features guests sharing personal stories of how animals have brought healing, connection, and transformation to their lives, alongside insights from experts in eco-psychology, animal therapy, compassion, and animal communication. Rooted in the Biophilia Theory, Animals & Us recognises the essential bond between humans and nature as vital for our flourishing. The series presents life-changing stories and expert perspectives, highlighting the profound love and impact that human-animal relationships bring to our world.

Learn more at www.kintsugiheroes.com.au

Thanks to Xavier Rudd for allowing us to use his song “Follow the Sun” as theme music for this Kintsugi Heroes podcast series